The gentle voice lingered in the sky, and as it spread, the snowflakes that filled the heavens seemed to pause for a moment. As the snow melted, it formed a visible wave that spread out in a circular pattern. The moment that ethereal, somewhat soul-touching sound reached his ears, Xiao Yan’s blood-red eyes froze, his body suddenly stiffening. The crimson tinge receded rapidly from his eyes, and the destructive fire lotus on his palm quietly dissipated.
Xiao Yan’s throat moved slightly, and he stared at the distorted space before him, his gaze one of disbelief. This voice… it was so familiar, as if it penetrated deep into his soul. Even if Xiao Yan somehow forgot his own name, this voice, etched firmly in his heart, would never be forgotten. “Xuner…”
His throat rolled again, and after a long while, a low murmur slipped out, the sound filled with an unreal, dreamlike quality.
The icy-faced Gu He’s expression shifted slightly at this sudden turn of events. His eyes were fixed intently on the two elderly figures before the distorted space, and then his pupils constricted slightly.
Gu He’s expression shifted again as he turned his gaze back to the distorted space. There, a slender, green-robed figure stepped out slowly. Under the watchful eyes of countless gazes, she gently emerged from the twisted space and appeared in this world of falling snow.
The woman wore a plain green dress, not particularly opulent, but there was an underlying air of nobility that seemed to elevate her beyond ordinary mortals. This nobility was not the pomp of the earthly realm but a majestic aura, as if she were the ruler of the heavens and earth, like a royal lineage passed down through generations, enduring through the ages.
Her long, flowing hair, tied loosely with a light purple silk ribbon, hung gracefully, following the curve of her alluring figure. Occasionally, a soft breeze would catch her tresses, making them flutter, imbuing her with an almost otherworldly grace, as if a celestial being had inadvertently descended to the mortal realm, exuding an unapproachable, ethereal charm.
As his eyes traveled upward, they settled on the exquisite, flawless face of the green-clad maiden. Her skin, as fair as new snow, bore a healthy, alluring flush. A gentle smile played across her lips, giving her a soothing, warm demeanor. Anyone who saw her smile would have felt their worries and anxieties evaporate, as if by magic.
Such a woman seemed to embody the essence of nature, perfect and flawless, like a fairy born of the heavens and earth.
The green-clad maiden walked out of the distorted space without looking at Gu He. Instead, under the countless watching eyes, she slowly turned, her clear eyes gazing at the young man behind her. When she saw the look of disbelief on his face, she couldn’t help but smile softly.
Her sudden, blooming smile, like a fleeting glimpse of a night-blooming flower, radiated an alluring charm, causing many to lose themselves in her beauty.
A single, enchanting smile.
With graceful steps, she approached Xiao Yan, reaching out her hands, as pure and lustrous as jade, and gently pressed them against his head, as if measuring his height. Her usually composed eyes now shimmered with a tender, captivating glimmer.
“Brother Xiao Yan…”
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the maiden stood gracefully before the young man, her red lips parting slightly to emit a soft, smooth voice.
Xiao Yan’s mouth curved into a smile, his body trembling slightly with excitement, but his face remained composed. He looked at the girl who had consumed his thoughts and dreams for years. In just a few years, the young girl had grown into a graceful, poised young woman. Yet, what made Xiao Yan relieved was that the depth of familiarity and warmth in her clear, bright eyes remained unchanged.
The girl before him, though much changed in appearance, bearing, strength, and beauty, becoming a goddess in the hearts of many, was still the same little girl who used to follow him around, calling him “Brother Xiao Yan” without cease.
His body trembled slightly, and after a moment, he could no longer suppress the emotions that had been pent up for so many years. He stepped forward, extending his arms, and under the astonished gazes of many, he pulled the beautiful girl into a tight embrace.
Xiao Yan’s sudden action surprised Xuner, and a low, startled sound escaped her lips. A faint blush colored her cheeks, and though she struggled briefly, she then gave in. Both of them were no longer the young, innocent children they once were. She could sense the repressed emotions in Xiao Yan’s heart, and this emotion brought a gentle, tender look to her eyes.
The two black-robed elders, who had appeared earlier, were momentarily caught off guard by Xiao Yan’s bold move, but when they saw Xuner make no resistance, they exchanged a glance, shaking their heads with a hint of resignation.
Xuner, when she left the ancient realm, had taken them along, and they had learned some information through their inquiries. But seeing it unfold before their very eyes, it still seemed unbelievable. Countless young, talented prodigies within the ancient clan had shown immense favor and affection for Xuner, but her response was always cool and detached. These two black-robed elders had never seen any man dare to embrace Xuner until now.
“If news of this spreads back to the ancient realm, those youngsters will go mad,” one of the white-haired, black-robed elders said, rolling his eyes with a sigh.
“Miss Xuner’s judgment is not to be doubted. As I understand, he is from the Xiao family.” The other black-robed elder spoke dispassionately.
“The Xiao family? Descended from that man?” The white-haired elder paused, casting a surprised glance at Xiao Yan, then smiled. “No wonder. But even so, gaining the recognition of the ancient clan is not easy. After all, he is merely a descendant, not the man himself. Moreover, Miss Xuner’s bloodline has awakened to the highest degree in nearly a thousand years.”
“Miss Xuner will handle this matter with discretion. Our words are of no consequence,” the other elder commented.
“Well, we can only hope,” the white-haired elder sighed.
As these two conversed in hushed tones, the Heavenly Fire Venerable and Little Healer Immortal, standing not far behind Xiao Yan, were also stunned by the scene. The Venerable was mildly surprised that Xiao Yan knew such a powerful person; the two black-robed elders’ strength eluded even him, likely surpassing his by at least two stars!
Little Healer Immortal’s eyes were fixed on Xiao Yan’s back, then on the person in his arms. A subtle, unnoticeable shadow passed over her beautiful eyes. She had occasionally heard Xiao Yan speak of this girl named Xuner, and from his tone, she could sense a deep attachment. This left her somewhat envious, for she knew Xiao Yan well. Despite his gentle exterior, he rarely showed such emotions, especially towards a woman.
This deep attachment, which even Little Healer Immortal envied, had only been shown once before, towards the green-clad girl now in Xiao Yan’s arms.
Xiao Yan held her tightly, the softness of her form revitalizing his weary heart. Xuner let herself be held, her clear eyes filled with tenderness. She knew how much Xiao Yan had endured alone, with the near destruction of his family and the capture of his teacher, bearing the weight of these blows on his still young shoulders. It pained her heart, but she was relieved that he had not succumbed to the hardships. Instead, he persevered, rising step by step from the Empire of Jia Ma, traversing the Black Corner Region, and finally arriving on this continent, achieving great success.
Xiao Yan was no longer the naive, hot-blooded youth he once was. He had become a true powerhouse!
“Brother Xiao Yan, don’t blame Xuner for not being by your side all these years,” Xuner said softly, her voice like a magical balm, soothing Xiao Yan’s weariness and rekindling his passion and energy.
“Do you think me so unreasonable?” Xiao Yan chuckled, gradually composing himself. He tousled Xuner’s hair, then released her, feeling a surge of boundless energy as he saw her.
“You’re injured?” Xuner’s clear eyes rested on the bloodstains on Xiao Yan, her eyes narrowing. Though her voice was soft, Xiao Yan felt the energy around them swell quietly.
“Those who shed more blood than I am ten times worse off,” Xiao Yan smiled, pointing to the craters and ruins in the city.
Xuner smiled, her eyes scanning the surrounding cold air, then turning to fix upon Gu He, golden flames slowly igniting in her eyes. Her gentle voice rose softly, “Let Xuner handle this, alright?”
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